Carolyn Bannon

Navy wife

Nov. 6, 2012 - 01:34PM
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Last Updated: Nov. 6, 2012 - 01:34PM |

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." — Abraham Lincoln

Some people fight for religion. Some people fight for freedom. Some people fight among themselves for seemingly nothing at all. My husband, he fights for our great nation, the United States of America. His duty takes him (and sometimes us) to all ends of the globe. There are days, weeks, sometimes even months, we go without word. The adage "No news IS good news" stands strong in our home and our community. Our two young children often don't understand why Daddy is gone again, and from a distance every sailor in NWUs is "Dada."

Now, although some of these statements may seem sad and lonely, that isn't the real case. Do we miss him when he is gone? Yes! Do we worry when is gone? Absolutely! What brings me peace is knowing that even though he may not be home we are still loved, safe and protected. Great friendships have grown out of a common circumstance; a sailor has gone to sea. As a spouse you prepare yourself and your children the best you can and often lean on the shoulders of those sharing your similar burden. Yet, after the initial sadness of separation subsides, a sense of pride rolls in. For me, my husband's absence proves that even hundreds of years after the birth of our nation, there are still men and women willing to sacrifice everything in the protection of our country and all who reside within its bounds. Pride in what our military is doing for our country and others fills some of the gap left in his wake. The sound of morning and evening "Colors" playing on base rings even clearer. The sight of American flags blowing in the wind, no matter where we are, reminds of the plight of the nation's fighters who came before our generation. Suddenly, in my husband's absence, I feel an even greater strength, and sense of pride, as the wife of a United States sailor.

Base-sponsored activities and clubs offer us many opportunities to meet new friends, learn new hobbies and keep busy. Every day spent exploring programs, playgroups, meetings, fundraisers and events found only in a military community, is one day closer to a reunion. As the other spouses and families stand on the pier awaiting a loved one's return, we now feel a sense of duty, a duty to stand strong, supportive, proud. Though our sailors may say "see you later!" to us, the families, and travel into seas unknown, on orders unknown, completing missions … unknown, there is one thing known. Our children, our futures, will be forever protected, safe and free, leant on the bravery, patriotism and sacrifice of both the military member and the families left behind to serve in the "silent ranks."